Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
Prepare to fall head-over-heels for Garlic Butter Steak Bites: juicy, golden-seared pieces of steak, tossed in a sizzling bath of garlicky butter and finished with a shower of fresh parsley. This dish is nothing short of magic—crisp at the edges, tender within, and fragrant with garlic in every bite. It’s a go-to favorite for weeknights or gatherings, delighting steak lovers and garlic fans alike with its bold flavors and irresistible simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to truly unforgettable Garlic Butter Steak Bites is in the quality of the ingredients and how each one elevates the dish. With just a handful of basics you likely already have, you can create melt-in-your-mouth steak bites that taste like a steakhouse treat.
- Sirloin steak: Choose well-marbled sirloin for the juiciest, most flavorful bites—cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the beef’s natural flavor—season generously but don’t overpower.
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and depth, freshly cracked for extra aroma.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of color, making the steak visually and flavorfully rich.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that caramelized sear and keeps the steak bites moist without burning.
- Unsalted butter: The backbone of the savory sauce—its richness balances the garlic perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Make sure to mince them fresh; they infuse the butter with deep, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness, color, and a touch of herby freshness for the final finish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a subtle kick, a tiny pinch brings exciting heat.
How to Make Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak
Start by patting your steak cubes dry with paper towels; this step is crucial for getting those crisp, golden edges. Once dry, sprinkle the meat with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss everything until each cube is evenly coated—you’ll smell that subtle smoky aroma already!
Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Lay your seasoned steak bites in the pan in a single layer. Don’t crowd the skillet; if necessary, cook in batches to avoid steaming. Sear for about 2 minutes per side, turning only once, until they’re beautifully browned and cooked to your preferred doneness.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt and bubble slightly, then add in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for 30 seconds—just until fragrant and golden, so you don’t burn the garlic.
Step 4: Coat and Finish the Steak Bites
Return your seared steak bites to the pan and toss them energetically to coat in that rich garlic butter. Every piece should glisten! Remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and, if you crave a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Garnishes
A vibrant sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way to liven up the plate—its herbaceous note adds color and cuts through the richness. For a special touch, add a few flakes of sea salt or a dusting of smoked paprika just before serving. If you love a bit of zing, finish with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice right at the table.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites shine alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or a chunk of crusty bread for soaking up every drop of that sublime garlic butter sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, complement the dish’s richness, while a crisp salad keeps things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn them into party-ready appetizers by skewering each steak bite with a toothpick. For a hearty main, pile the steak bites high on a platter and scatter with extra parsley. Or, add the bites atop a bed of garlicky mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist. Even tucked into a warm pita with a drizzle of sauce, Garlic Butter Steak Bites totally steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Seal any leftover steak bites (along with the extra garlic butter) in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, freeze cooled Garlic Butter Steak Bites in single layers or portioned containers. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or extra butter if needed to keep things juicy. Avoid microwaving, which can dry the steak, and aim to reheat only until just warmed through to preserve tenderness.
FAQs
What is the best cut of beef for Garlic Butter Steak Bites?
Sirloin is top-notch for its tenderness and flavor, but you can also use ribeye or strip steak for even more decadence. Just look for a cut with a good marbling to keep each bite juicy.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! A pinch of red pepper flakes in the final step adds a gentle heat that plays beautifully with the buttery sauce. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
Do I have to use fresh garlic, or can I substitute garlic powder?
Fresh garlic is truly essential for the deep, aromatic flavor that makes Garlic Butter Steak Bites so special. Garlic powder just doesn’t deliver the same punch or fragrance in the finished dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check your labels to be sure.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure to sear the steak bites in batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures you get those beautiful crispy edges instead of steamed steak.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, restaurant-worthy meal that everyone will crave, Garlic Butter Steak Bites need to be on your table soon. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, garlicky richness, and vibrant freshness make this dish an instant classic—trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why!
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Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Steak Bites are a savory and succulent dish that is quick and easy to make. Tender sirloin steak cubes are seared to perfection, then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a main course or as a delectable appetizer.
Ingredients
Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak cubes dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear the steak bites until browned.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, then add back the steak bites and toss in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley, remove from heat, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cook the steak bites in batches for best results.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the garlic butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg